The Dmadd9 tuning transforms your guitar into a rich, resonant soundscape, perfectly suited for a minor harmonic palette. As indicated by its name and open strings, the tuning D-A-E-A-A-F naturally forms a D minor add 9 chord (D, F, A, E). This makes it incredibly easy to achieve a full, complex minor sound with just open strumming.

Technically, the open string configuration D2-A2-E3-A3-A3-F4 reveals the root (D), perfect fifth (A), major ninth (E), and minor third (F). The presence of two A notes (strings 5, 3, and 2, with the 5th string being the lowest A) creates a lush, harmonically dense quality, emphasizing the perfect fifth of the Dm chord. This abundance of common tones allows for unique voicings and sympathetic resonance across the fretboard.

This tuning is fantastic for players looking to explore atmospheric minor chord progressions, fingerstyle arrangements, and drone-based music. Simple barre chords across the frets will instantly yield other minor add9 chords (e.g., barring at the 1st fret gives D#madd9, 3rd fret gives Fmadd9). The consistent intervals between certain strings also make it conducive for melodic runs and creating expansive arpeggios that highlight the minor add 9 harmony.

How to Tune to Dmadd9 (DAEAAF)

To achieve the Dmadd9 tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones from D to E3.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones from G to A3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 1 semitone from E to F4.

Note: All string movements for this tuning are within a safe range, so a change in string gauge is generally not required. Always tune carefully and check intonation after significant changes.

• String 6 (Low E string): Tuned to D2
• String 5 (A string): Tuned to A2
• String 4 (D string): Tuned to E3
• String 3 (G string): Tuned to A3
• String 2 (B string): Tuned to A3
• String 1 (High E string): Tuned to F4